Systems and methods for remote or local shut-off of a photovoltaic system

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for shut-down of a photovoltaic system. In one embodiment, a method implemented in a computer system includes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control a respective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, a shut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, a computer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for each of the LMUs.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/895,745, filed Sep. 30, 2010,entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL BETWEEN ALOCAL CONTROLLER AND A MASTER CONTROLLER,” by Makhota et al., whichitself claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/335,004, filed Dec. 29, 2009, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANENHANCED PROTOCOL BETWEEN A LOCAL CONTROLLER AND A MASTER CONTROLLER,”by Makhota et al., the entire contents of which applications areincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/277,867, filed Sep. 29, 2009, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORREMOTE OR LOCAL SHUT-OFF OF SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS,” by Makhota et al., theentire contents of which application are incorporated by reference as iffully set forth herein.

The present application is also related to U.S. Pat. No. 7,884,278,issued Feb. 8, 2011, entitled “APPARATUSES AND METHODS TO REDUCE SAFETYRISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS,” by Powell et al.; U.S. Pat.No. 7,602,080, issued Oct. 13, 2009, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS TOBALANCE SOLAR PANELS IN A MULTI-PANEL SYSTEM,” by Hadar et al.; and U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0139734, published Jun. 10,2010, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ENHANCED WATCHDOG IN SOLARMODULE INSTALLATIONS,” by Hadar et al., the entire contents of whichapplications are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

At least some embodiments disclosed herein relate to photovoltaicsystems in general, and more particularly, but not limited to, theremote or local shut-off of a photovoltaic system.

BACKGROUND

When a photovoltaic panel or laminate is exposed to direct or diffuselight, a lethal voltage potential may be present. In the United Statesthe possible voltage could be as high as 600 volts, while in Europe andthe rest of the world this voltage could approach a kilovolt.

Because of the potential danger from electrical shock, solar systeminstallers take a large guard band (or safety margin) to make sure thevoltages don't cross the 600V or 1000V limits in the United States andthe European Union, respectively. That limitation inhibits them frominstalling more solar panel modules, often referred to as “modules” or“panels,” in series to reduce the cost of combiner boxes or stringinverters. When solar modules are connected in series or in meshconfigurations, there can be a problem in which weaker modules not onlyproduce less energy, but also affect other modules' capabilities todeliver energy in the same string or wiring section.

Also, potential danger from these high voltages may exist in varioustypes of situations. For example, first responders, solar arrayinstallers, and maintenance personnel operating near solar arrays can beexposed to dangerous or lethal voltages. The danger can be even higherif certain wires are disconnected through theft, vandalism, accident,natural forces, or other causes. To protect first responders, solararray installers, and maintenance personnel, solar arrays can be turnedoff in an emergency. However, the systems used to turn off a solar arrayin an emergency may sometimes be damaged or disabled by the emergency(e.g., fire).

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods for remote or local shut-off of a photovoltaicsystem are described herein. Some embodiments are summarized in thissection.

In one embodiment, a method implemented in a data processing systemincludes: communicating, via a central controller, with a plurality oflocal management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control arespective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, ashut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, acomputer, or a wireless switch unit); and in response to receiving theshut-down signal, shutting down operation of the respective solar modulefor each of the LMUs.

The disclosure includes methods and apparatuses which perform thesemethods, including data processing systems which perform these methods,and computer readable media containing instructions which when executedon data processing systems cause the systems to perform these methods.

Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and fromthe detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation inthe figures of the accompanying drawings in which like referencesindicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of a photovoltaic energy system including localmanagement units (LMUs) according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a graph of the relationships of frequency vs. amplitude(with an amplitude axis and a frequency axis) for exemplarycommunication channels of a local management unit (LMU) according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for implementation of acommunication protocol in an LMU according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating a local controller or LMUaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating an LMU providing two connectorsfor serial connections with other LMUs to form a serial power busaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an overview of a computer systemthat may be used for one or more components of the system of FIG. 1according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows an overview of a photovoltaic solar panel system accordingto one embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an overview of an LMU according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a software code process for shut-offof a photovoltaic solar panel according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an overview of a switch unit according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a user interface configuration of a hand-held deviceaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a user interface configuration of a computer according toone embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a simplified overview of a logical communication systemaccording to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not tobe construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described toprovide a thorough understanding. However, in certain instances, wellknown or conventional details are not described in order to avoidobscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in thepresent disclosure are not necessarily references to the sameembodiment; and, such references mean at least one.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments but not other embodiments.

As used herein, a “solar cell” is a photovoltaic device configured toabsorb photons and convert them into electrical energy. A “solar module”is a device that includes at least one or more solar cells, wherein thesolar cells are connected in series or in parallel. A solar panel is oneexample of a solar module. The solar cells absorb photons and convertthe photons into electrical energy. A power bus may be a conductive pathconnecting one or more solar modules in series.

At least some embodiments of the disclosure provide a system and methodfor the operation of distributed local management units (LMUs) in aphotovoltaic energy system. The operation of one or more localmanagement units in a photovoltaic energy system may be defined by aprotocol. In particular, the protocol is typically able to recover fromvarious kinds of errors. For example, the protocol may be self-adjustingin the case of errors and other operational problems that may arise.Also, the protocol may maintain certain safety aspects associated withthe operation of the photovoltaic energy system (e.g., a maximumoperating voltage and other desired parameters).

In one embodiment, each LMU attempts to communicate on a first activechannel with a master management unit. Each LMU is coupled to controlone solar module of a plurality of solar modules in the system. If thecommunication with the master management unit on the first activechannel has been established, then the LMU proceeds to a configurationprocess. If the communication on the first active channel is notestablished (i.e., fails for some reason), the LMU attempts tocommunicate on a second active channel.

In one embodiment, the second active channel has a frequency differentfrom the first active channel. If communication with the mastermanagement unit on the second active channel is established, then theLMU proceeds to the configuration process. If communication is notestablished after a predetermined total number of attempts or attemptson a predetermined number of channels, then the LMU proceeds to an errorhandling process.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of an exemplary system 100 according to oneembodiment. System 100 contains two exemplary strings of solar panels,namely string 110 a-n and string 120 a-n. Each solar panel in eachstring has its own local management unit (e.g., a local controller or adata processing system), which, in this exemplary illustration, areunits 111 a-n and 121 a-n, respective to the strings named above. TheLMUs in FIG. 1 are connected in series (i.e., in a serial configuration)to power busses 150 and 160.

Each local management unit (LMU) has an antenna; in this exemplaryillustration, only antennas 112 a and 122 a are numbered in FIG. 1, forsimplicity and clarity of illustration. Combiner box 102 is typicallyused to combine the output of said multiple strings (i.e., 110 a-n and120 a-n) of panels. Power busses 150 and 160 are connected to combinerbox 102. For example, combiner box 102 may be used to house the wires,connections, etc., to combine the electricity generated from differentsolar panels, strings, subsystems, etc. Combiner box 102 is coupled toan inverter 101, for example, connected to power grid 103.

Master management unit (MMU) 130 (e.g., a master controller) is coupledto control each of the LMUs (e.g., by wireless communication viaantennas 112 a and 122 a. MMU 130 acts as a gateway, connecting, forexample, to the Internet 140, via connection 131, which may be wired,land line, Ethernet, wireless, or any other of various types of suitableconnection. MMU 130 may store configuration profiles in a localdatabase. MMU 130 may be updated or operated remotely from a remoteserver. For example, new profiles may be downloaded to MMU 130 usingInternet 140.

In this example, MMU 130 has an antenna 132, which is used tocommunicate with the distributed LMUs. In some embodiments, one of theLMUs may act as the MMU for the system. The master management unit 130is typically powered by the solar panels. However, it may be powered byalternative power sources, such as power grid 103.

Power line 133 may supply power to MMU 130, and in some cases, it couldalso transmit communications via power line communication between theMMU and LMUs, instead of using wireless communication. However, powerline communication may exhibit problems similar to wirelesscommunication, such as radio frequency (RF) interferences and othereffects that may benefit from the use of active channel selection asdescribed below. One example of power line communication is discussed inU.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/467,117, filed May 15,2009, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CURRENT-MODE POWER LINECOMMUNICATIONS,” by Leonid Rozenboim, the entire contents of whichapplication is incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

The structure as shown in FIG. 1 is one specific type of configuration,but other configurations may be used in other embodiments. For example,other system configurations may be as follows: 1) a set of solar panels,each connected to a parallel bus via a local management unit; 2)similarly as in FIG. 1, but with each string further connected to aparallel bus via a string management unit. In general, the operatingprotocol for the LMUs as described herein may be used with either aserial configuration (i.e., strings of local management units) or aparallel configuration (i.e., local management units on a parallel bus).

In one embodiment, an LMU may be provided for each solar panel, so thatwhen the solar panels are connected into a system via the LMUs, theefficiency of the system as a whole is increased. In this embodiment,the LMUs are designed to keep each solar panel working at, or close to,its respective maximum power point, substantially independently fromeach other, even through the panels are connected together to form asystem.

In addition to the efficiency consideration, the LMUs may also beconfigured to provide various features, such as safety, panelprotection, etc., in various implementations. There are two possibletypes of LMUs that may be adapted for different types of basicconnection configurations for solar panels: parallel and series. In acombination, strings of LMUs connected in serial may be each connectedto a string management unit for parallel combinations of strings at acombiner box.

At a given working condition (e.g., sunlight exposure, temperature,etc.), the power output level of a solar panel is based on the voltageor current consumed by its load. At the given working condition, thereis a maximum power point at which the solar panel outputs maximum powerW_(mp), at current I_(mp) and voltage V_(mp). If the working voltagedeviates from V_(mp) (or the current from I_(mp)), the power from thesolar panel will be reduced.

In this embodiment, the LMUs permit individual solar panels to work attheir maximum power points, while adjusting LMU outputs for efficientoperations in serial or parallel connections. The solar panel works atthe maximum power point W_(mp)=I_(mp)×V_(mp); and the combination of thesolar panel and the LMU outputs W_(mp)=I_(out)×V_(out) (since the LMUdoes not itself create power, and the power consumed by LMU isnegligible).

In the parallel configuration, each of the solar panels is connected toan LMU to boost the voltage output V_(out) (while keeping the solarpanel at its maximum power point W_(mp)=I_(mp)×V_(mp)=I_(out)×V_(out),thus reducing I_(out)). The solar panels are connected in parallel to ahigh voltage DC bus via their LMUs; and the DC bus can be used to poweran inverter, which is tied to a power grid, to supply the grid.

In the serial configuration, each of the solar panels is connected to anLMU to boost the current output lout (while keeping the solar panel atits maximum power point W_(mp)=I_(mp)×V_(mp)=I_(out)×V_(out), thusreducing V_(out)). The solar panels are connected in series via theirLMUs; and the string of the solar panels (a serial power bus) can beused to power an inverter, which is tied to a power grid, to supply thegrid.

In various embodiments, LMUs may have the following features:

a. LMUs for parallel connections are used to boost voltage(V_(out)>V_(mp)). Each parallel LMU has a step up converter and has amaximum power point tracking circuit. Parallel LMUs are configured tooutput a substantially fixed voltage, allowing only very smallvariations from the nominal voltage of the high voltage DC bus.

b. LMUs for series connections typically boost current (I_(out)>I_(mp)).The serial LMUs do not use step up converters or maximum power pointtracking circuits. Serial LMUs receive duty cycles from a systemmanagement unit (e.g., master management unit 130), which coordinatesthe output of the serial LMUs to improve the performance of the system.The system management unit adjusts the duty cycles of the serial LMUs toadjust the states of their respective solar panels.

In one embodiment, a solar panel has a few strings of solar cells (e.g.,three solar cell strings per module). A local management unit can beapplied to a group of cells within a string of an individual solarpanel, or in some cases to each cell in a solar panel. A group of solarcells that are attached to a local management unit may be connected toeach other in series, in parallel, or in a mesh configuration. A numberof local management units connect the groups of the solar cells in astring to provide output for the solar panel. The foregoing is describedfurther in U.S. Pat. No. 7,602,080, filed Oct. 13, 2009, entitled“SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO BALANCE SOLAR PANELS IN A MULTI-PANEL SYSTEM” byHadar et al. (see, e.g., FIG. 5), the entire contents of which isincorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Some embodimentsof the disclosure include methods to determine the duty cycles and/orphases for local management units connected to a string or mesh of solarmodules.

In one embodiment, the system management unit controls the operations ofthe LMUs via a communication connection, which may be over the powerline through which the solar panels deliver power, or over wirelessconnections, or via separate communication lines (e.g., as discussedabove for FIG. 1). In one embodiment, as a safety feature, each LMU mayhave a watchdog circuit, which cuts off its output if the heartbeatsignal from the system management unit is missing. This allows the solarsystem to be completely shut down remotely (e.g., for fire-fighting, orcleaning, etc.).

In one embodiment, the MMU listens for new LMUs that may be attemptingto communicate with the MMU, for example during set up of a new system,or during replacement of an LMU. The MMU may listen on certainpredefined channels (e.g., selected communication frequencies) known tothe LMU. After the LMU establishes communication with the MMU, the LMUrestarts and again establishes communication with the MMU, but does soon a different channel different from these predefined channels. Aremote server or other computer system may be used to provideconfiguration profiles to the MMU (e.g., over the Internet). Thispermits a local photovoltaic system to be configured remotely byproviding updated profiles to the MMU, then restarting one or more LMUsusing the new profiles.

In one embodiment, a plurality of local management units are configuredto, under supervision of a master management unit, balance currentsbetween the plurality of solar modules in the power bus. In oneembodiment, the LMUs may be configured to balance voltages and currentsbetween solar modules and between power buses. The LMUs can beimplemented serially or in parallel. The foregoing configurations arefurther described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2010/0139734, published Jun. 10, 2010, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORAN ENHANCED WATCHDOG IN SOLAR MODULE INSTALLATIONS”, by Hadar et al.,the entire contents of which publication is incorporated by reference asif fully set forth herein.

FIG. 2 shows a graph 200 of the relationships of frequency vs.amplitude, with amplitude axis 202 and frequency axis 201 in oneembodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary communication channels used byan LMU to communicate with the MMU. Shown on frequency axis 201 are anumber of channels f₀-f_(z), with channel f_(n) being the actual activechannel in use. Also shown are exemplary signals 204 a, 204 b, and 204 xcorresponding to communication on these channels. In this example, anumber of channels are covered by a disturbing interference 203 (e.g.,interference from a microwave nearby). This interference may causecommunications with the MMU to fail, and thus require the use of analternate active channel.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary process 300 in one embodiment forimplementation of a communications protocol in an LMU. Morespecifically, FIG. 3 illustrates a protocol for an LMU to communicatewith an MMU in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the protocol supportsthe automatic self-configuration of the LMU.

In step 301, the LMU unit wakes up. In step 302, the system checks todetermine whether it has a predefined profile list of starting values(e.g., the output voltage for the solar panel controlled by the LMU; orpower level and/or initial channel to use for communications). If not(No), in step 303, the system sets a maximum value (e.g., maximumcommunications power or a default active channel). The maximum value maytypically be for the output voltage that particular LMU contributes toits string, except in cases where local regulations require that thevalue be set lower than the maximum.

If the system finds a preset value in a profile (Yes), in step 304 thesystem sets the LMU at the preset value(s). Once the value is set forLMU operation in either step 303 or step 304, communication is attemptedwith the MMU on a first active channel. In step 305, the system checksto determine whether communication with the MMU has been established.

If communication is established (Yes), in step 306 the systemcommunicates with the MMU in step 306 and in step 307, it receives oneor more instructions from the MMU. In step 308, the system executes theinstruction(s) it has received. In step 309, the system waits for aperiod (e.g., 1-5 seconds) whose value is contained in its profile list,and then it repeats the communication loop beginning again at step 306.

In cases where a communication error occurs in step 306, the systemmoves to step 315 and commences an error treatment protocol, for exampleas described below or otherwise. Examples of errors may includedetection of a non-existing command, a mismatch in the MMUidentification number, etc.

If the system finds, in step 305, that communication is not established(No), in step 310 the system attempts to establish communication bysetting the channel f_(n) to the frequency of initial active channel f₀and, in step 311, scanning f_(n). In step 312, the system checks to seeif communication is then established on this new active channel. If itis (Yes), the system continues to the sequence of steps starting withstep 306, as described above. If, in step 312, communication is notestablished (No), in step 313 the system increments the then-activechannel f_(n) to the next available channel f₀+1 (i.e., channel f₁).

In step 314, the system checks to see if the next incremental channelexceeds the maximum number of available channels (e.g., a predeterminedmaximum number of channels stored in the LMU start-up profile). If themaximum is not exceeded (No), the system returns to step 311 andcontinues to scan succeeding active channels until either it establishescommunication or it exceeds the maximum number of channels. In the caseof exceeding the maximum number of available channels in step 314 (Yes),the system moves to step 315 and commences an error treatment protocol.An error treatment protocol may include one or more of variousapproaches. One typical approach would reset the LMU and start again atstep 301. Another approach would shut down the LMU; while yet anotherwould loop back to step 305 and try again.

The section below entitled “EXEMPLARY PROTOCOL COMMUNICATIONINFORMATION” shows specific examples of the protocol of communicationsbetween an exemplary distributed LMU and an exemplary MMU. This protocolshows how a system can self-detect elements, available channels, etc.,thus reducing setup efforts. This is advantageous with the use ofwireless communications, as channels may be blocked by outside sourcesof interference (e.g., as discussed for FIG. 2 above), and the systemdesirably should be able to self-reconfigure in such situations.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary local controller or LMU 400 according to oneembodiment. Wires 420 a,b are connected to a solar panel 110 or 120(i.e., to provide incoming electricity). Wires 421 a,b are used to chainthe LMUs together to form a string, as in the serial configurationillustrated in FIG. 1. The hardware of LMU 400 is configured for use insuch a serial connection.

Core LMU 401 has switches 403, 404 and 406, plus controller 402. A diode405 provides a voltage drop in the case of a short of switch 404, toensure enough voltage to operate controller 402. Modem 407 and/orwireless network interface 408 are coupled to controller 402 to permitcommunications with the LMUs. In some cases, modem 407 connects to thestring wiring 421 a,b (e.g., to modulate control signals onto the wiring421 a,b at control frequencies higher than the normal operatingfrequencies used in power busses 150 and 160).

In other cases, wireless network interface 408 has an antenna 410 to usefor communications with the LMUs. The network communications type usedmay be one of many different types of conventional wireless networks.The use of wireless communication may be advantageous in some cases byreducing the number of hardwire points of failure, and thus increasingthe simplicity of system setup or the reliability of system operation.

In most cases, an LMU does not have both a modem 407 and a wirelessnetwork interface 408. Typically, a system contains only one or theother, but in some cases, these may be, for example, plug-in modules. Inother cases, both components may be present, but only one may beactivated. Controller 402 may be configured for operation by additionalsoftware code 409 that may include, in addition to other previouslydiscussed features for a communication protocol, code for implementing ashut-off system.

Examples of an LMU are described in U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/276,752, filed Sep. 16, 2009, entitled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FORREMOTE OR LOCAL SHUT-OFF OF SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS,” by Makhota et al.(see, e.g., FIG. 6 and TGY010-3), and also in U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/277,867, filed Sep. 29, 2009, entitled “SYSTEMAND METHOD FOR REMOTE OR LOCAL SHUT-OFF OF SOLAR PANEL SYSTEMS,” byMakhota et al. (see, e.g., FIG. 6 and TGY010-3), the entire contents ofeach of the foregoing applications being incorporated by reference as iffully set forth herein.

In FIG. 5, a local management unit 501 according to another embodimentis illustrated. Local management unit 501 provides two connectors 512and 515 for serial connections with other local management units 501 toform a serial power bus (e.g., power bus 150 or 160 of FIG. 1). Notethat in other embodiments, a parallel configuration of LMUs may be used.

A controller 509 controls the states of switches Q1 506 and Q2 508. Whenthe controller 509 turns on switch 506, the panel voltage and thecapacitor C1 505 are connected in parallel to the connectors 512 and515. The output voltage between the connectors 512 and 515 issubstantially the same as the output panel voltage. During the periodthe switch 506 is turned off (open), the controller 509 turns on(closes) the switch Q2 508 to provide a path around the diode D1 507 toimprove efficiency.

When the switch 506 is turned off (open), the panel voltage charges thecapacitor C1 505, such that when the switch 506 is turned on, both thesolar panel and the capacitor 505 provides currents going through theconnectors 512 and 515, allowing a current larger than the current ofthe solar panel to flow in the string (e.g., the serial power bus 150 or160 of FIG. 1). When the switch 506 is turned off (open), the diode D1507 also provides a path between the connectors 512 and 515 to sustainthe current in the string, even if the switch 508 is off for somereason. In one embodiment, the controller 509 is connected (not shown)to the panel voltage to obtain the power for controlling the switches Q1506 and Q2 508.

In one embodiment, the controller 509 is further connected (not shown)to at least one of the connectors 512 and 515 to transmit and/or receiveinformation from the string. In one embodiment, the controller 509includes sensors (not shown) to measure operating parameters of thesolar panel, such as panel voltage, panel current, temperature, lightintensity, etc.

Additional information regarding local management units, and theoperation thereof, that may be used in some embodiments of the presentdisclosure is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,602,080, filed Oct. 13, 2009,entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO BALANCE SOLAR PANELS IN A MULTI-PANELSYSTEM” by Hadar et al., the entire contents of which is incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary overview of a computer or data processingsystem 600 as may be used, in some embodiments, at various locations(e.g., for use as an MMU or an LMU) throughout system 100. It isgenerally exemplary of any computer that may execute code to processdata. Various modifications and changes may be made to computer system600 without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the systemand method disclosed herein. For example, in various embodiments,computer system 600 may be used to implement processes, protocols, ormethods described herein. For example, an MMU may be implemented viacomputer system 600. In other embodiments, LMUs are implemented viacontrollers, rather than use of a full computer system.

CPU 601 is connected to bus 602, to which bus is also connected memory603, non-volatile memory 604, display 607, I/O unit 608, and networkinterface card (NIC) 613. I/O unit 608 may, typically, be connected tokeyboard 609, pointing device 610, hard disk 612, and real-time clock611. NIC 613 connects to network 614, which may be the Internet or alocal network, which local network may or may not have connections tothe Internet. Also shown as part of system 600 is power supply unit 605connected, in this example, to AC supply 606. Not shown are batteriesthat may be present in some embodiments, and many other hardware devicesand modifications thereof that are well known for use in such computersystems, but are not directly applicable to the specific novel functionsof the system and method disclosed herein. Although FIG. 6 illustratesvarious components of a computer system, it is not intended to representany particular architecture or manner of interconnecting the components.Other systems that have fewer or more components may also be used.

In other embodiments, typical I/O devices may include mice, modems,network interfaces, printers, scanners, video cameras and other deviceswhich are well known in the art. The bus 602 may include one or morebuses connected to one another through various bridges, controllersand/or adapters. In one embodiment, the I/O unit 608 includes a USB(Universal Serial Bus) adapter for controlling USB peripherals, and/oran IEEE-1394 bus adapter for controlling IEEE-1394 peripherals.

In other embodiments, memory may include ROM (Read Only Memory) andvolatile RAM (Random Access Memory). Non-volatile memory may include,for example, a hard drive, flash memory, etc. Volatile RAM is typicallyimplemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM) which requires power continually inorder to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. Non-volatile memoryis typically a magnetic hard drive, a magnetic optical drive, or anoptical drive (e.g., a DVD RAM), or other type of memory system whichmaintains data even after power is removed from the system. Thenon-volatile memory may also be a random access memory.

The non-volatile memory can be a local device coupled directly to therest of the components in the data processing system. A non-volatilememory that is remote from the system, such as a network storage devicecoupled to the data processing system through a network interface suchas a modem or Ethernet interface, can also be used.

In some embodiments, one or more servers of the system can be replacedwith the service of a peer to peer network of a plurality of dataprocessing systems, or a network of distributed computing systems. Thepeer to peer network, or a distributed computing system, can becollectively viewed as a server data processing system.

Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented via the processor(s)601 and/or the memory 603/604. For example, the functionalitiesdescribed can be partially implemented via hardware logic in theprocessor(s) 601 and partially using the instructions stored in thememory 603 and/or 604. Some embodiments are implemented using theprocessor(s) 601 without additional instructions stored in memory. Someembodiments are implemented using the instructions stored in the memoryfor execution by one or more general purpose microprocessor(s). Thus,the disclosure is not limited to a specific configuration of hardwareand/or software.

As mentioned previously above, examples of additional communicationsprotocol embodiments are described further in the section below entitled“EXEMPLARY PROTOCOL COMMUNICATION INFORMATION”. Specific examples ofcommunication packet data structures and communication commands that maybe used in specific implementations of the various embodiments describedabove are included in this section.

In one embodiment, communications are attempted using this exemplarycommunication protocol, from a first local management, on a first activechannel with the MMU. Next, it is determined if communication with theMMU has been established. In response to a determination that thecommunication on the first active channel has not been established,communication is attempted on a second active channel with the MMU, thesecond active channel having a frequency different from the first activechannel. Then, it is determined if communication with the mastermanagement unit on the second active channel has been established. Ifso, then the LMU continues with a configuration or start-up process.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises after the communicationon the second active channel has been established, receiving a firstcommunication from the master management unit. In one embodiment, thefirst communication comprises an instruction (e.g., a command), and themethod further comprises executing the instruction on the first localmanagement unit. In one embodiment, the plurality of local managementunits are connected in series. In another embodiment, the plurality oflocal management units are connected in parallel.

In one embodiment, the communication on the first active channel is at apredetermined frequency used by the master management unit forestablishing communication with new local management units being addedto the system. In one embodiment, the method further comprises aftercommunication with the master management unit has been established,restarting the first local management unit and subsequentlycommunicating with the master management unit at a frequency other thanthe predetermined frequency.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises communicating from thefirst local management unit to the master management unit anidentification code (e.g., Unit ID) associated with the first localmanagement unit; and receiving a profile from the master managementunit, the profile corresponding to the identification code. In oneembodiment, the method further comprises in response to receiving theidentification code, retrieving, via the master management unit, theprofile from a database that includes a plurality of different profilessuitable for configuration of local management units.

In one embodiment, the first local management unit comprises an antenna,and the attempting to communicate on the first active channel comprisessending a wireless signal via the antenna. In one embodiment, the methodfurther comprises after the communication on the second active channelhas been established, determining that an error has occurred incommunication with the master management unit; and in response to theerror, initiating an error treatment protocol for the first localmanagement unit.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: in response to adetermination that the communication on the second active channel hasnot been established, attempting to communicate on a third activechannel with the master management unit, the third active channel havinga frequency different from the first and second active channels;determining if communication with the master management unit on thethird active channel has been established; in response to adetermination that the communication on the third active channel has notbeen established, determining whether a predetermined number ofavailable channels for communication with the master management unit hasbeen exceeded; and in response to a determination that the predeterminednumber has been exceeded, initiating an error treatment protocol for thefirst local management unit.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: prior to the attemptingto communicate on the first active channel, waking up the first localmanagement unit; after the waking up, determining whether the firstlocal management unit is storing a configuration profile; in response toa determination that the first local management unit is not storing theconfiguration profile, communicating to the master management unit afirst identification code associated with the first local managementunit; receiving a first profile from the master management unit, thefirst profile corresponding to the first identification code, and thefirst profile including a time period; and configuring the first localmanagement unit using the first profile.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: after the communicationon the second active channel has been established, receiving a firstinstruction from the master management unit; executing the firstinstruction on the first local management unit; after the executing thefirst instruction, waiting for the time period; after the waiting,communicating with the master management unit to receive a secondinstruction; and executing the second instruction on the first localmanagement unit.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises: establishingcommunication with the master management unit from a second localmanagement unit of the plurality of local management units; andcommunicating to the master management unit a second identification codeassociated with the second local management unit; receiving a secondprofile from the master management unit, the second profilecorresponding to the second identification code; and configuring thesecond local management unit using the second profile.

In one embodiment, a local management unit comprises memory storingsoftware instructions, and a controller coupled to the memory. Thecontroller is configured via the software instructions to execute amethod comprising: controlling, under supervision by a master managementunit, a first solar module of a plurality of solar modules, the mastermanagement unit coupled to supervise a plurality of local managementunits, wherein the plurality of local management units are coupled by apower bus, and each one of the plurality of local management unitscontrols a respective one of the plurality of solar modules, attemptingto communicate on a first active channel with the master managementunit, determining if communication with the master management unit onthe first active channel has been established, in response to adetermination that the communication on the first active channel has notbeen established, attempting to communicate on a second active channelwith the master management unit, the second active channel having afrequency different from the first active channel, and determining ifcommunication with the master management unit on the second activechannel has been established.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises a modem or wirelessnetwork interface to attempt to communicate with the master managementunit on the first active channel. In one embodiment, the plurality oflocal management units are configured to, under supervision of themaster management unit, balance currents between the plurality of solarmodules in the power bus.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumtangibly stores computer readable instructions. The instructions cause acomputer or data processing system to perform a method comprising:attempting to communicate, from a first local management unit of aplurality of local management units, on a first active channel with amaster management unit, each of the plurality of local management unitscoupled to control a respective solar module of a plurality of solarmodules; determining if communication with the master management unit onthe first active channel has been established; in response to adetermination that the communication on the first active channel has notbeen established, attempting to communicate on a second active channelwith the master management unit, the second active channel having afrequency different from the first active channel; and determining ifcommunication with the master management unit on the second activechannel has been established.

In one embodiment, method further comprises: communicating from thefirst local management unit to the master management unit anidentification code associated with the first local management unit; andreceiving a profile from the master management unit, the profilecorresponding to the identification code.

Remote or Local Shut-Off of Photovoltaic System

Various embodiments of systems and methods for remote or local shut-offof a photovoltaic system are now described below in more detail. In oneembodiment, a method includes: communicating, via a central controller(e.g., master management unit 130 as described above), with a pluralityof local management units (LMUs), each of the LMUs coupled to control arespective solar module; receiving, via the central controller, ashut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device such as aBlackberry mobile phone, a computer such as a Dell desktop computer, ora wireless switch unit such as a button coupled to communicate anoff-signal via a radio); and in response to receiving the shut-downsignal, shutting down operation of the respective solar module for eachof the LMUs.

In one embodiment, the wireless switch unit comprises a radio configuredto transmit the shut-down signal. In one embodiment, the wireless switchunit further comprises a battery, and the radio is further configured totransmit a charge status of the battery to the central controller.

In another embodiment, the hand-held device is configured to wirelesslycommunicate the shut-down signal. The hand-held device may comprise atransceiver for voice communications, and the hand-held device may befurther configured to receive a user input via a web page displayed onthe device, the user input to initiate sending of the shut-down signalto the central controller. In one example, the hand-held device mayreceive an access code from a user prior to providing access to the webpage (e.g., to provide security and prevent unauthorized access).

In one embodiment, the computer is configured to wirelessly communicatethe shut-down signal, the computer comprises at least one processor anda display, and the at least one processor is configured to present, viathe display, a user interface to receive input requesting communicationof the shut-down signal.

In one embodiment, the central controller comprises a controlling block(e.g., software executing on a processor of the central controller),each of the LMUs comprises respective software configured to receivecommands from the central controller, and the shutting down theoperation comprises sending, via the controlling block, a shut-downcommand to the respective software of each LMU.

In one embodiment, the central controller and the user device are eachcoupled to communicate with a web server, and the shut-down signal isreceived by the central controller via the web server. In oneembodiment, the user device displays a web page hosted by the webserver, and the web page is configured to receive a user input, and themethod includes sending the shut-down signal in response to receivingthe user input. In one embodiment, the method further comprisesidentifying the user device based on a GPS location of the user deviceor a local area network identifier of the user device.

In one embodiment, the shutting down the operation comprises sending ashut-down command to each of the LMUs to shut down operation of theLMU's respective solar module. In another embodiment, the methodincludes sending pulse or heartbeat signals to each of the LMUs duringnormal operation, and the shutting down the operation is accomplished byterminating the sending the pulse or heartbeat signals.

In one embodiment, a local management unit comprises memory storingsoftware instructions; and a controller coupled to the memory, thecontroller configured via the software instructions to execute a methodcomprising: controlling, under supervision by a central controller, afirst solar module of a plurality of solar modules, the centralcontroller coupled to supervise a plurality of local management units,wherein the plurality of local management units are coupled by a powerbus; and receiving a shut-down command from the central controller toshut down operation of the first solar module, wherein the centralcontroller sends the shut-down command in response to receiving ashut-down signal from a user device (e.g., a hand-held device, acomputer, or a wireless switch unit).

In one embodiment, the method further comprises receiving communicationsfrom the central controller, the communications including a firstcommunication, and determining whether the first communication includesthe shut-down command. In response to receiving the shut-down command,operation of the first solar module is shut down (e.g., via controlactions by the LMU). In one embodiment, this shut-down may correspond toa reduced power or voltage level of operation of a solar module, ratherthan a complete shutting down of all power or voltage.

In one embodiment, the method may further comprise determining whetherthe first communication is received after a time-out occurs, andshutting down operation of the first solar module in response to thetime-out. The time-out may occur, for example, if a watchdog timerstarted after receipt of a prior communication expires before asubsequent communication (i.e., the first communication) is received.

In one embodiment, the local management unit comprises at least onecommunication device (e.g., a modem) for communicating with the centralcontroller, and the method further comprises verifying operation of theat least one communication device (e.g., determining that the modem isworking properly).

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage mediumtangibly stores thereon computer readable instructions, the instructionscausing a data processing system to perform a method, the methodcomprising: receiving, via a local management unit, communications froma central controller; controlling, via the local management unit, asolar module; determining whether the communications include a shut-downcommand; and in response to receiving the shut-down command, shuttingdown operation of the solar module, wherein the central controller sendsthe shut-down command in response to receiving a shut-down signal from auser device.

In some embodiments, a watchdog system for shut-down of a photovoltaicsystem (e.g., a system using a watchdog timer approach similar to thesystem described earlier above) may be used for various types or kindsof emergencies that may arise. Other than for this use of a watchdogsystem, an operator-initiated emergency shut-down or shut-off system maybe needed or desired in cases such as situations that are notprecipitated by a loss of connectivity to a central controller, etc.(i.e., an event or emergency that is not of a type that the watchdogsystem is designed to handle), but that still requires a photovoltaicsystem shut-down to create a safe environment for personnel such asfiremen, service technicians, etc., or a shut-down for other reasons.

As mentioned above, solar system installers take a large guard band (orsafety margin) to make sure voltages don't cross the 600V or 1000Vlimits in the United States and the European Union. That limitationinhibits them from installing a larger number of solar panel modules inseries, which increases the balance-of-system costs due to the need fora larger number of combiner boxes or string inverters. When solarmodules are connected in series or in mesh configurations, there can bea problem whereby weaker modules not only produce less energy, but alsoaffect other modules' capabilities to deliver energy in the same stringor wiring section. Various embodiments of a system and method to shutdown a photovoltaic solar panel system (PVSP), either locally and/orremotely, in a safer and more convenient manner are now described below.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary overview of a photovoltaic solar panel system1500, according to one embodiment. Panels 1505 a-n each have their ownlocal management unit (LMU) 1506 a-n (e.g., each LMU may be implementedusing LMU 501 described above). These LMUs may have a means ofcommunication, also as previously described, some of which may bewireless or in other embodiments use the wires of the string of solarpanels. In this example of FIG. 7, string wiring 1514 connects a serialstring to inverter 1502, which is connected to the AC power grid 1503(note that connection and or combiner boxes are not shown, forsimplicity and clarity, but may exist in various, different combinationsand configurations).

A central controller 1501 (e.g., such as master management unit 130described above) is connected to Internet 1504 (and/or another networkin other embodiments). An example of a central controller 1501 isdescribed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0234692,published Sep. 17, 2009, entitled “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONFIGURINGSOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS,” by Powell et al., which is hereby incorporated byreference as if fully set forth herein.

Central controller 1501 may contain a microprocessor running variousdifferent software instances, referred to in total as software 1513.Different sections or modules of this software may perform differenttasks that are described below. Also, illustrated in FIG. 7 for thisexample are a hand-held device 1509 and a computer 1508 (e.g., a PC-typeor desktop computer, or a laptop or tablet computer). In this exemplaryillustration, computer 1508 is connected to Internet 1504 as indicatedby connection 1517, but in other cases it may be connected wirelessly(not shown).

Hand-held device 1509 may connect wirelessly to a tower 1510 via aconnection 1516, which tower 1510 then connects to a cell phone company(not shown) via, for example, the Internet. In other cases, hand-helddevice 1509 may use, for example, a wireless LAN (local area network)connection 1512 between a local LAN antenna 1511 and a wide area network(WAN) antenna 1515 at the central controller 1501. Also, in the case ofa wireless implementation, each of LMUs 1506 a-n has its own respectiveone of antennas 1507 a-n.

In some cases, a gateway (not shown) may be connected to centralcontroller 1501. A gateway may, for example, communicate with controller1501 in any of three communication types: RS-485, DC-power linecommunication (DC-PLC), or wireless communication. In a typical system,this gateway uses RS-485 on one side and another means of communication,either DC-PLC or wireless, on the other side. The gateway typically isinstalled next to the solar panels, where there is better wirelessreception, or may be tapped to the DC line for DC-PLC. In cases wherethe panels are not near a means of communication, controller 1501 may beplaced next to the Internet in an electrical room (e.g., if the solarpanels are located in a field, controller 1501 and/or the gateway can beplaced in or near a utility room, rather than in the field). One or moregateways may connect to the central controller 1501 as needed ordesired. In one example, where there only a single gateway is used, thegateway may be fitted inside the controller 1501.

FIG. 8 shows an overview of an LMU 1506, according to one embodiment.Core LMU 1601 has switches 1603, 1604 and 1606, and also a controller1602. A diode 1605 provides a voltage drop in the case of a short ofswitch 1604, to ensure enough voltage is available to operate controller1602. A modem 1607 connects to the string wiring 1514. A wirelessnetwork interface 1608 has an antenna 1507. The network used may be oneof many different types of wireless networks. In most cases, an LMU doesnot have both a modem 1607 and a wireless network interface 1608.Typically, a system contains only one or the other, but in some cases,these may be plug-in modules, or in yet other cases, both may bepresent, but only one may be activated. The controller 1602 containssoftware code 1609 that includes, in addition to any previouslydiscussed LMU features that may be implemented, code to implementvarious shut-down functions on the LMU in support of the shut-downmethod described herein.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary software code process 700 (this may be, forexample, a modified or enhanced version of the software or code for thewatchdog as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No.2010/0139734, published Jun. 10, 2010, entitled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORAN ENHANCED WATCHDOG IN SOLAR MODULE INSTALLATIONS,” by Hadar et al.,incorporated by reference above) used for implementation of theshut-down system (e.g., on software residing on LMU 1506; in otherembodiments some of these functions may be implemented on othercomponents of the system in communication with LMU 1506), according toone embodiment. In step 710, a watchdog (supervisory) process starts,based on a heartbeat or timer (e.g., periodically received from thecentral controller 1501), wherein certain events are checked on aregular basis. In step 701, the code checks to verify that thecommunication devices present in the solar panel system (e.g., devicesin an LMU such as devices 1607 and 1608) are properly working.

In step 702, the code checks to see if the communication devices havereceived any communications since the last check. If not (no), theprocess moves to step 705, where, if the code detects no time-out (no)(e.g., by counting and/or using a watchdog timer as previouslydescribed), the process ends at step 706. At step 702, if the codedetects that the communication devices have received a communicationsince the last check (yes), the process moves to step 703, where thecode checks to see if the communication was a shut-down command. If not(no), the process again moves to step 706. If the communication was ashut-down command (yes), at step 704 the code implements a shut-downoperation (e.g., shut-down of the solar panel 1505 connected to andcontrolled by LMU 1506) by adjusting switches 1603, 1604, and 1606 toshut down the attached solar module, and then the process moves to step706. As previously described, the illustrated switches are indicated asmechanical switches, but in a typical implementation they aresemiconductor-type switches, such as MOSFET transistors or other,similar switches, although they may be switches of any type suitable forthe described function.

In step 705, if the code detects a time-out (yes), the process moves toa shut-down in step 704 (e.g., this is one exemplary, simplifiedembodiment of a watchdog). The two procedures (i.e., checking for atime-out command and checking for a shut-down command) may be completelyindependently, in which case the code would not check for a time-out;however, it often is desirable to combine them. Additional steps may beadded to process 700 for further refinement or addition of otherfunctions in various embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a simplified overview of an exemplary switch unit 800,according to one embodiment. Switch unit 800 is battery-operated, inthis example, but might receive power over wiring from the centralcontroller 1501, or solely from the AC grid, etc. It may, for example,contain a lithium battery 805 that typically lasts for several years.Also, shown are a controller 803, which has a radio, an externalpush-button 802, an enclosure 806, and antenna 801.

In alternative embodiments, switch unit 800 may use other types ofmechanical switches or buttons in order to permit a user to activate amanual switching function by using switch unit 800. In addition, switchunit 800 may check in via its radio on a regular basis with the centralcontroller 1501 (e.g., every 1-10 milliseconds, or every 5-30 seconds).It may also send other communications such as, for example, a report onthe status of battery 805, so that the central controller 1501 may issuewarnings for conditions such as low battery, intermittent battery, etc.

There may also be in some cases a separate watchdog monitoring for lossof signal between the switch unit 800 and the central controller 1501,in a manner similar to the examples described previously. One advantageof switch unit 800 is that it may be placed in a convenient location,where it may be the case that electrical system wiring is not accessibleor not installed, but that switch unit 800 could be used to implement asystem shut-down when needed (e.g., an emergency such as a fire).Alternatively, a shut-off switch may be wired directly into centralcontroller 1501 (not shown).

Similar to some typical emergency switches, the button 802 may in someembodiments include a mechanical latching mechanism, enabling the systemto remain off until a specific “un-latch” procedure is used, such asturning the button or a key. In these embodiments, the switch unit 800may have a feedback mechanism to visually (e.g., by flashing light) oraudibly (e.g., by sound generator via a speaker) indicate when thesystem has been and/or continues to be inactive. The switch unit 800 maybe marked to identify its functionality and differentiate it from atraditional DC or AC disconnect mechanism.

FIG. 11 shows an exemplary user interface configuration 900, accordingto one embodiment. An exemplary hand-held device 1509 communicateswirelessly and may be, for example, a Blackberry® mobile communicationsdevice or an iPhone® mobile communications device or another,Internet-ready mobile communications device. In some cases, the devicemay not use Internet connectivity, but communicates using one of variousavailable forms of wireless LAN connectivity. Hand-held device 1509 maycommunicate wirelessly with central controller 1501 (e.g., via a LAN orindirectly via an Internet server with which the hand-held device 1509and central controller 1501 communicate).

In one embodiment, central controller 1501 identifies device 1509 based,for example, on a GPS location (e.g., as communicated from the device)or wireless LAN access, for which it is unnecessary for a user to enteran ID, as long as the device 1509 uses local access using, for example,a MAC ID for user identification. In such a case, a user would onlyenter his access code in field 903 (e.g., of user interface 902), andthen by pushing button 904 the user could sign-off from this userfunction. Button or entry device 905 (e.g., a trackball) may be used tomanipulate the system (e.g., manipulate an input function of the userinterface 902 of device 1509).

In addition to the normal operating system of device 1509, code 901 isinstalled in device 1509 as, for example, an application or as a webbrowser plug-in, or as any combination thereof. The code 901 implementsa process to communicate with controller 1501. In some embodiments, aweb page may be hosted by central controller 1501. In other embodiments,one or more additional servers on the Internet (e.g., a web server, notshown) may be involved in providing this service of allowingcommunication between device 1509 and central controller 1501.

FIG. 12 shows an exemplary user interface system configuration 1000 of acomputer 1508 (e.g., a PC-type computer), according to one embodiment.Screen 1001 shows a typical login sequence of user ID 1004 and password1005. Also shown on the screen 1001 are icons for an on-switch 1007 andoff-switch 1006 for implementing on and off commands, respectively, inthe software, as well as keyboard 1003 and pointing device 1002. Codeinstance 901 (e.g., adapted as appropriate for the hardware andoperating system software of computer 1508) may be a downloadableapplication, a web browser plug-in, or a web page, in some cases withcode or scripts executing on computer 1508.

FIG. 13 shows a simplified overview of a logical communication system1100, according to one embodiment. On the left side of FIG. 13 areillustrated one or more of controlling devices 1508, 1509, and 800.These devices may communicate either via Internet 1504 and networkcommunication connections 1102 and 1103 to controller 1501, or directlythrough WAN or wire 1101.

Logically, the respective software 1110 executing in devices 1508, 1509,and 800 communicates with web page software 1111 (e.g., residing oncentral controller 1501) to receive these communications with embeddedcommands, for example, such as shut-off, restart, or other command asmay be used in the system. These commands are then interpreted andtransferred internally through internal messaging 1114 to controllingblock 1112 (e.g., implemented as software that resides on centralcontroller 1501), which then sends out the commands through logicalconnections 1115 a-n to software 1609 a-n residing in each of LMUs 1506a-n. These LMUs are, in turn, connected to communication means 1104 a-n,which may be either directly wired on the string wiring or wirelesslythrough either units 1608 or 1607, respectively, to central controller1501.

In one embodiment, commands may be sent via communication means 1104a-n. In another embodiment, communication with each of the LMUs viacommunication means 1104 a-n may be different and independent ofcommunications via the logical connections 1115 a-n (e.g., forimplementing functions not controlled by the embedded commands). Also, avariety of different protocols, wired and/or wireless, may be used forcommunications via means 1104 a-n. For example, each of LMUs 1506 maycommunicate with central controller 1501 via a different protocol.

Closing

In this description, various functions and operations may be describedas being performed by or caused by software code to simplifydescription. However, those skilled in the art will recognize what ismeant by such expressions is that the functions result from execution ofthe code by a processor, such as a microprocessor. Alternatively, or incombination, the functions and operations can be implemented usingspecial purpose circuitry, with or without software instructions, suchas using an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or aField-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Embodiments can be implementedusing hardwired circuitry without software instructions, or incombination with software instructions. Thus, the techniques are limitedneither to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software,nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by the dataprocessing system.

While some embodiments can be implemented in fully functioning computersand computer systems, various embodiments are capable of beingdistributed as a computing product in a variety of forms and are capableof being applied regardless of the particular type of machine orcomputer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

At least some aspects disclosed can be embodied, at least in part, insoftware. That is, the techniques may be carried out in a computersystem or other data processing system in response to its processor,such as a microprocessor, executing sequences of instructions containedin a memory, such as ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatile memory, cache or aremote storage device.

Routines executed to implement the embodiments may be implemented aspart of an operating system, middleware, service delivery platform, SDK(Software Development Kit) component, web services, or other specificapplication, component, program, object, module or sequence ofinstructions referred to as “computer programs.” Invocation interfacesto these routines can be exposed to a software development community asan API (Application Programming Interface). The computer programstypically comprise one or more instructions set at various times invarious memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when readand executed by one or more processors in a computer, cause the computerto perform operations necessary to execute elements involving thevarious aspects.

A machine readable medium can be used to store software and data whichwhen executed by a data processing system causes the system to performvarious methods. The executable software and data may be stored invarious places including for example ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatilememory and/or cache. Portions of this software and/or data may be storedin any one of these storage devices. Further, the data and instructionscan be obtained from centralized servers or peer to peer networks.Different portions of the data and instructions can be obtained fromdifferent centralized servers and/or peer to peer networks at differenttimes and in different communication sessions or in a same communicationsession. The data and instructions can be obtained in entirety prior tothe execution of the applications. Alternatively, portions of the dataand instructions can be obtained dynamically, just in time, when neededfor execution. Thus, it is not required that the data and instructionsbe on a machine readable medium in entirety at a particular instance oftime.

Examples of computer-readable media include but are not limited torecordable and non-recordable type media such as volatile andnon-volatile memory devices, read only memory (ROM), random accessmemory (RAM), flash memory devices, floppy and other removable disks,magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media (e.g., Compact DiskRead-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), etc.), amongothers.

In general, a machine readable medium includes any mechanism thatprovides (e.g., stores) information in a form accessible by a machine(e.g., a computer, network device, personal digital assistant,manufacturing tool, any device with a set of one or more processors,etc.).

In various embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in combinationwith software instructions to implement the techniques. Thus, thetechniques are neither limited to any specific combination of hardwarecircuitry and software nor to any particular source for the instructionsexecuted by the data processing system.

Although some of the drawings illustrate a number of operations in aparticular order, operations which are not order dependent may bereordered and other operations may be combined or broken out. While somereordering or other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and so do not present anexhaustive list of alternatives. Moreover, it should be recognized thatthe stages could be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or anycombination thereof.

EXEMPLARY PROTOCOL COMMUNICATION INFORMATION

A. Message Level

Command Summary 0x02 - data request 0x03 - data response 0x04 - requestNO DATA response 0x05 - no data response 0x06 - general parameter errorresponse 0x08 - send broadcast request 0x09 - send broadcast response0x0a - send version request 0x0b - send version response 0x0c - setchannel 0x0d - set channel response 0x0e - read channel 0x0f - readchannel response 0x10 - Hard reset of Gateway 0x11 - Response to hardreset 0x12 - STORE settings 0x13 - Response to STORE settings 0x14 - Setunit ID 0x15 - Set unit ID response 0x16 - Get unit ID 0x17 - Get unitID response ---- diagnostic ------ 0x100 - Echo command 0x101 - Echoresponse (0x02) Get data request Sent to request lines of LMU data fromthe Gateway <command> = 0x02 <body> = <line count> <seq ID> <line count>Number of lines desired 16 bits, high byte first <seq ID> Startingsequence number desired <32 bits, high byte first Responses 0x03 - dataresponse 0x05 - no data response (0x03) Data Response Sent to supply LMUdata to the MMU <response> = 0x03 <body> = <line count> <delimiter> <LMUline> . . . <line count> Count of available lines 16 bits, high bytefirst <delimiter> 0xDDDD 16 bites, high byte first <LMU line> = . . .(0x04) Get NO data request Sent to request sequence number limits<command> = 0x04 <body> = <empty> Responses 0x05 - no data response(0x05) No Data Response Sent to indicate to the MMU that the requestedsequence ID is not yet in the buffer <response> = 0x05 <body> = <Seq IDfirst> <Seq ID next> <Seq ID first> First available Seq ID 32 bits, highbyte first <Seq ID next> “Current” Seq ID (highest + 1) 32 bits, highbyte first (0x06) General parameter error response Sent to indicate aparameter error. <response> = 0x06 <body> = <empty> (0x08) SendBroadcast Request Sent to load data to the beacon payload in the Gateway<command> = 0x08 <body> = <ascii bytes> <ascii bytes> Up to 40 asciibytes . . . Responses 0x09 - send broadcast response (0x09) SendBroadcast Response Sent in response to a broadcast command <command> =0x09 <body> = <empty> (0x0a) Send Version Request Request version andbuild strings <command> = 0x0a <body> = <empty> Responses 0x0b - SendVersion Response (0x0b) Send Version Response <response> = 0x0b <body> =<version string> <build date> <build time> <version string> Delimitedascii string (CR delimiter) Typ: “Gateway Version 00.6a” <build date>Delimited ascii string (CR delimiter) Typ: “Build Aug 24 2009” <buildtime> Delimited ascii string (CR delimiter) Typ: “10:00:38” (0x0c) SetChannel Request Sets new channel in gateway. Gateway is radio is thenforcibly restarted with a hammer. <command> = 0x0c <body> = <desiredchannel> <desired channel> Channel number between 11 and 26 (dec) 16bit, high byte first Responses 0x06 - Bad parameter response 0x0d - SetChannel Response (0x0d) Set Channel Response <response> = 0x0d <body> =<empty> (0x0e) Get Channel Request <command> = 0x0e <body> = <empty><current channel> Channel number between 11 and 26 (dec) 16 bit, highbyte first Responses 0x0d - Get Channel Response (0x0f) Set ChannelResponse <response> = 0x0d <body> = <current channel> <current channel>Channel number between 11 and 26 (dec) 16 bit, high byte first (0x10)Request Gateway Reset Gateway is put into hard reset <command> = 0x10<body> = <magic string> <magic string> 0x37249266L - arbitrary . . . 32bit, high byte first Responses 0x06 - General error response (bad magicnumber) 0x11 - Get reset request Response (0x11) Request Gateway ResetResponse <response> = 0x11 <body> = <empty> In some embodiments, thegateway implementation does not finish the answer packet beforeresetting. (0x12) STORE settings Current parameters are formatted to astructure and written to Flash. A limited number of writes are allowedbefore the memory is filled up. Do NOT write to Flash unless the actionsin NECESSARY <command> = 0x12 <body> = <magic string> <magic string>0x37249266L - arbitrary . . . 32 bit, high byte first Responses 0x06 -General error response (bad magic number) 0x13 - STORE settings response(0x13) STORE settings response <command> = 0x13 <body> = <empty> (0x14)Set Unit ID Request Sets new Unit ID in gateway. Further transactionswill use new ID. <command> = 0x14 <body> = <magic number> <desired ID><magic string> 0x37249266L - arbitrary . . . 32 bit, high byte first<desired id> Desired Unit ID 16 bit, high byte first Responses 0x06 -Bad parameter response 0x15 - Set Unit ID Response (0x15) Set ChannelResponse <response> = 0x15 <body> = <empty> (0x16) Get Unit ID Request<command> = 0x16 <body> = <empty> Responses 0x0d - Get Channel Response(0x17) Get Unit ID Response <response> = 0x17 <body> = <current channel><current ID> Unit ID 16 bit, high byte firstB. Packet Level

(MMU to Gateway): <0x55> <0x55> <length> <Gateway ID> <command> <body><checksum> <0x55> literal header bytes <length> length - count of bytesstarting with gateway ID through checksum. Total length minus 4 16 bits,high byte first <Gateway ID>  Gateway address - test = 0x1235 16 bits,high byte first <command> Command to execute 16 bits, high byte first(Gateway to MMU): <0xAA> <0xAA> <length> <Gateway ID> <command> <body><checksum> <0xAA> literal header bytes <length> length - count of bytesstarting with gateway ID through checksum. Total length minus 4 16 bits,high byte first <Gateway ID>  Gateway address - test = 0x1235 16 bits,high byte first <command> Command response 16 bits, high byte first

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evidentthat various modifications may be made thereto without departing fromthe broader spirit and scope as set forth in the following claims. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: communicating, via acentral controller, with a plurality of local management units (LMUs),each respective local management unit of the local management units(LMUs) coupled with a respective solar module and configured to controlan output of the respective solar module, wherein the respective localmanagement unit comprises: a controller; a first switch which, whenclosed, short circuits outputs of the respective local management unit,a second switch which, when open, disconnects an input from therespective solar module from one of the outputs of the respective localmanagement unit, a third switch, and a diode connected in series withthe third switch, wherein a series connection from the third switch tothe diode is connected between inputs received from the respective solarmodule, and when the third switch is closed during shutdown of therespective solar module, the diode is forward biased to provide avoltage to power the controller; receiving, via the central controller,a shut-down signal from a user device selected from the group consistingof a hand-held device, a computer, and a wireless switch unit; and inresponse to receiving the shut-down signal, shutting down operation ofthe respective solar module for each of the local management units(LMUs) via the controller of the respective local management unitoperating the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch ofthe respective local management unit.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinthe user device includes the wireless switch unit; and the wirelessswitch unit comprises a radio configured to transmit the shut-downsignal.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the wireless switch unitfurther comprises a battery, and the radio is further configured totransmit a charge status of the battery to the central controller. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the user device includes the hand-helddevice; and the hand-held device is configured to wirelessly communicatethe shut-down signal.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the hand-helddevice comprises a transceiver for voice communications, and thehand-held device is further configured to receive a user input via a webpage displayed on the device, the user input to initiate sending of theshut-down signal to the central controller.
 6. The method of claim 5,wherein the hand-held device is further configured to receive an accesscode from a user prior to providing access to the web page.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the user device includes the computer; andthe computer is configured to wirelessly communicate the shut-downsignal, the computer comprising at least one processor and a display,the at least one processor configured to present, via the display, auser interface to receive input requesting communication of theshut-down signal.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the centralcontroller comprises a controlling block, each of the LMUs comprisesrespective software configured to receive commands from the centralcontroller, and the shutting down the operation comprises sending, viathe controlling block, a shut-down command to the respective software ofeach of the LMUs.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the centralcontroller and the user device are each coupled to communicate with aweb server, and the shut-down signal is received by the centralcontroller via the web server.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein theuser device displays a web page hosted by the web server, and the webpage is configured to receive a user input, the method furthercomprising sending the shut-down signal in response to receiving theuser input.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending pulseor heartbeat signals to each of the LMUs during normal operation, andwherein the shutting down the operation comprises terminating thesending the pulse or heartbeat signals.
 12. The method of claim 1,wherein the shutting down the operation comprises sending a shut-downcommand to each of the LMUs to shut down operation of the respectivesolar module.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifyingthe user device based on a GPS location of the user device or a localarea network identifier of the user device.
 14. A local management unit,comprising: a controller; a first switch coupled in parallel with apower output of the local management unit, wherein when the first switchis closed to shut down a first solar module connected to a power inputof the local management unit, the switch short-circuits the power outputof the local management unit; a second switch which, when open,disconnects an input from the first solar module from the power outputof the local management unit; a third switch; a diode connected inseries with the third switch, wherein a series connection from the thirdswitch to the diode is connected between inputs received from the firstsolar module, and when the third switch is placed by the controller in aclosed state during shutdown of the first solar module, the diodeprovides a voltage to power the controller; and memory storing softwareinstructions; wherein the controller is coupled to the memory, thecontroller configured via the software instructions to execute a methodcomprising: controlling, under supervision by a central controller,output of the first solar module among a plurality of solar modules, thecentral controller coupled to supervise a plurality of local managementunits, wherein the plurality of local management units are coupled by apower bus; receiving a shut-down command from the central controller toshut down operation of the first solar module, wherein the centralcontroller sends the shut-down command in response to receiving ashut-down signal from a user device selected from the group consistingof a hand-held device, a computer, and a wireless switch unit; andoperating the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch inresponse to the shut-down command.
 15. The local management unit ofclaim 14, wherein the method further comprises receiving communicationsfrom the central controller, the communications including a firstcommunication, and determining whether the first communication includesthe shut-down command.
 16. The local management unit of claim 15,wherein the method further comprises in response to receiving theshut-down command, shutting down operation of the first solar module.17. The local management unit of claim 15, wherein the method furthercomprises determining whether the first communication is received aftera time-out occurs, and shutting down operation of the first solar modulein response to the time-out.
 18. The local management unit of claim 14,wherein the local management unit comprises at least one communicationdevice for communicating with the central controller, and the methodfurther comprises verifying operation of the at least one communicationdevice.
 19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storingthereon computer readable instructions configured to instruct a dataprocessing system to perform a method, the method comprising: receiving,via a local management unit, communications from a central controller;controlling, via the local management unit, a solar module; determiningwhether the communications include a shut-down command; and in responseto receiving the shut-down command, shutting down operation of the solarmodule by the local management unit, wherein the local management unitcomprises: a controller, a first switch which, when closed, shortcircuits outputs of the local management unit, a second switch which,when open, disconnects an input from the solar module from one of theoutputs of the local management unit, a third switch, and a diodeconnected to the third switch, wherein a series connection from thethird switch to the diode is connected between inputs received from thesolar module, and in response to the shut-down command, the controllerputs the third switch in a closed state, causing the diode to provide avoltage drop to power the controller.
 20. The storage medium of claim19, wherein the method further comprises determining whether a firstcommunication of the communications is received after a time-out occurs,wherein the shutting down of the operation of the solar module is inresponse to the time-out.
 21. The storage medium of claim 20, whereinthe local management unit comprises at least one communication devicefor communicating with the central controller, and the method furthercomprises verifying operation of the at least one communication device.